Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper

Species: Dog

Breeds Affected: All Breeds (esp. unvaccinated puppies)

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus, which attacks a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. All dogs are susceptible, but young unvaccinated puppies are at highest risk. The virus spreads via airborne droplets or contact with body fluids from infected animals.

• Initial signs include fever
• runny eyes and nose
• coughing
• lethargy
• reduced appetite
• vomiting and diarrhea. As the infection progresses to the nervous system
• dogs may develop neurological signs such as circling
• head tilt
• muscle twitches
• seizures (often with jaw chewing motions)
• or paralysis. Hardening of nose and footpad skin (“hard pad”) can also occur.

No cure exists for distemper, so treatment is supportive. Infected dogs are isolated and given fluids to combat dehydration and medications to prevent secondary bacterial infections and to control vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. Intensive nursing care and supportive therapy improve chances of survival, though about half of infected dogs may not survive.

Supportive medications are used since no antiviral is available. These can include broad-spectrum antibiotics (to treat secondary infections like pneumonia), antiemetic drugs to control vomiting, anticonvulsants to manage seizures, and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce neurologic symptoms. Vaccination (part of core DHPP vaccine) is the primary preventive measure.